TCM Treatment for Shingles

Dr Li Rui in Singapore Shares Clinical Experience in TCM Treatment for Shingles and Prevention of Postherpetic Neuralgia

Shingles, also known as Herpes Zoster (and colloquially in Singapore as "Sheng She" or "Snake Wrap"), is a common neurological infectious disease. Patients often experience intense skin pain followed by clusters of blisters, which significantly impacts their quality of life.

Clinical Phases of Shingles:

  • Prodromal Phase: Lasts 3-5 days, characterized by low fever, fatigue, and varying degrees of pain.
  • Blister and Scabbing Phase: Clusters of papules and vesicles appear, quickly becoming tense, shiny blisters surrounded by redness. For healthy patients, it takes about 10 days from eruption to scabbing; for those with lower immunity, it can last months.
  • Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN) Phase: Pain that persists for more than a month after the blisters have healed.

With rising life stress and weakened immunity, the incidence of shingles is increasing annually. In Singapore, the humid climate and high-pressure environment contribute to many cases. Fortunately, TCM treatment for shingles is clinically effective, not only relieving acute symptoms but also reducing the risk of PHN.

Causes of Shingles

Shingles is caused by the Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV). The virus remains dormant in the nerve ganglia and reactivates when the immune system weakens, traveling along the nerves to cause redness, blisters, and burning pain on the skin.

The rash usually appears on one side of the body, commonly on the chest, waist, back, face, or eyes. Even after the rash fades, some patients continue to feel neuropathic pain, known as Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN), which can last for months or even years.

In recent years, the incidence of shingles in Singapore has trended upward. The government encourages vaccination, but those with chronic stress, lack of sleep, or low immunity remain highly susceptible.

Through 30 years of clinical experience, Dr Li Rui has observed that many patients fall ill after a cold, excessive fatigue, or low mood. Timely TCM treatment helps alleviate symptoms, shorten the disease course, and lower the risk of PHN.

TCM Treatment for Shingles

TCM categorizes shingles under "Belt-like Fire Sores" or "Snake-string Sores." The main causes include:

  • Liver Meridian Stagnant Heat: Bright red rash, burning pain, irritability, bitter mouth, and dry stools. Representative formula: Longdan Xiegan Tang.
  • Spleen Deficiency with Dampness: Pale red rash, fluctuating pain, lack of thirst, poor appetite, and abdominal bloating. Representative formula: Chushi Weiling Tang.
  • Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis (PHN type): Persistent, unbearable pain after skin lesions heal, worsened by anxiety, fatigue, or nighttime. Representative formula: Xuefu Zhuyu Tang.

Dr Li Rui explains that shingles is often related to disharmony in Qi and Blood, excessive Liver fire, and internal damp-heat, especially in middle-aged and elderly patients where virus invasion is easier due to deficiency.

TCM treatment focuses on clearing heat, detoxifying, soothing the liver, strengthening the spleen, and activating blood to stop pain across different stages:

  • Initial Phase: Clearing heat and detoxifying (e.g., Gentian, Bupleurum, Scutellaria).
  • Active Phase: Removing dampness and toxins (e.g., Atractylodes, Poria, Coix seed).
  • Recovery Phase: Nourishing Qi and Blood, boosting immunity, and preventing neuralgia (e.g., Trichosanthes, Safflower).

Dr Li Rui tailors herbal prescriptions to each individual’s constitution to restore liver, spleen, and kidney functions.

Acupuncture Treatment for Shingles

Acupuncture is highly effective in relieving pain and shortening the recovery period. It harmonizes Qi and Blood, unblocks meridians, and reduces inflammation. Common acupoints based on symptoms include:

Liver Meridian Heat

Waiguan, Taichong, Ququan, Xiaxi, Xuehai

Spleen Deficiency Dampness

Yinlingquan, Sanyinjiao, Neiting, Xuehai

Qi Stagnation Blood Stasis

Hegu, Taichong, Daheng, Xuehai, Zusanli, Zulinqi

Dr Li Rui has found that acupuncture can rapidly reduce nerve pain and lower the incidence of PHN. It is recommended for both acute and recovery phases.

How TCM Prevents Postherpetic Neuralgia?

The most concerning complication of shingles is persistent neuralgia. Dr Li Rui emphasizes that timely TCM intervention is key to prevention.

TCM assists by:

  • Unblocking meridians to prevent Qi and Blood stagnation.
  • Regulating nerve function and reducing inflammation.
  • Nourishing the Liver and Kidney to strengthen "Zheng Qi" (vitality) and reduce recurrence risk.

Clinical data shows that patients receiving acupuncture have a significantly lower incidence of PHN and shorter pain duration compared to those who do not.

Lifestyle Tips for Shingles Patients

Dr Li Rui reminds patients that daily care during recovery is essential:

Keep skin clean and dry; avoid scratching to prevent infection

Avoid spicy, oily, and seafood 'trigger' foods

Moderate exercise and maintain a regular sleep schedule

Reduce psychological pressure and maintain a positive mood

Supplement with high-quality protein and vitamins to boost immunity

While common, shingles can be managed effectively with timely TCM care. By combining herbal medicine, acupuncture, and lifestyle adjustments, we help the body recover from the root.

Dr Li Rui

MOH-registered TCM physician with a Master’s degree from the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences and over 30 years of clinical experience

Dr Li Rui is a registered TCM Physician and Acupuncturist with the Ministry of Health (Singapore), with over 30 years of clinical experience. She holds a Master’s degree in TCM (China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences) and a Bachelor’s degree in Western Medicine (Shandong Medical University).

Previously an Attending Physician and Clinical Tutor at Xinhua Hospital (Shanghai Jiao Tong University), she founded the Shanghai Chinese Medicine Centre in Singapore in 2002. She specializes in using combined acupuncture and herbal medicine to treat complex conditions and is highly trusted by her patients.

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Dr Li Rui Shanghai Chinese Medical Centre Singapore

Dr Li Rui has accumulated years of experience in Singapore, helping many patients find relief from shingles through acupuncture and holistic TCM care. If you or a loved one are suffering, welcome to book an appointment for professional care.

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